Week 11 Sunday Night Football Steelers vs Chargers Betting Preview

The Los Angeles Chargers (5-4) prepare to host the Pittsburgh Steelers (5-3-1) on Sunday Night Football in Los Angeles at SoFi Stadium. Both Los Angeles and Pittsburgh remained in the playoff race despite disappointing efforts last week. 

The Chargers lost a close game to the Minnesota Vikings 27-20, while the Steelers were involved in the first tie of the season against the lowly Detroit Lions. As aforementioned, they both are still in the postseason hunt. However, neither team can afford many more losses as we push towards the end of the season. 

What are the Odds?

The Chargers are the favorite to win the game. Most sportsbooks have them right around six-point favorites in this one. The Moneyline places the Bolts at -250 while the Steelers are at +200. 

The over/under is set at 46.5. We might see many points scored in this game because Los Angeles features both a strong offensive attack and an underwhelming defensive unit. The Steelers will display a desire to run the ball consistently in this contest as well. 

Who Steps Up?

Najee Harris might be in line for a monster game on Sunday Night. The Chargers feature the worst run defense in the NFL, and Harris has shown signs of star power this season. When you combine those two factors, there is a realistic chance Harris puts the Steelers on his back in this game.

Big Ben Roethlisberger is questionable for Sunday after testing positive for Covid a week ago. But if Harris is doing his thing out of the backfield for Pittsburgh, it might not matter who is under center for the Steelers. 

Regardless of the woes on defense, the Chargers have several stars on the offensive end. 

Quarterback Justin Herbert has thrown 19 touchdowns compared to 7 interceptions while adding over 2,500 yards through the air. Two of his favorite receiving targets, Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, totaled over 600 receiving yards on the season.

Running back, Austin Ekeler has rushed for over 500 yards and five touchdowns on the campaign. 

The Chargers give up a decent amount of points, but they know to answer back. 

Final Verdict

While Chargers are favored, we should be in store for a quality football game on Sunday night. These are two teams hungry to win and willing to do whatever it takes.

If the Chargers can limit Harris and the Pittsburgh rushing attack, that could spell the difference in this one. But given their performance this season, that does not seem all that likely.

Expect a shootout between these teams. The Steelers defense could also make the difference if they can contain Herbert and Ekeler, but that is much easier said than done.